SAN FRANCISCO — In a determined display of solidarity and urgency, demonstrators filled Union Square on March 8, International Women’s Day, asserting that rights considered fundamental are once again under threat. United by a shared conviction, attendees raised concerns about recent policy developments affecting gender equality, reproductive rights, and democratic freedoms both in the United States and abroad.
“We shouldn’t have to be here,” said Amy Allington, a project manager from the Bay Area. “This should have all been solved ages ago. I was the beneficiary of folks who fought in the ’60s… It’s insane to me that that could possibly be diminished now.”
The rally drew a diverse crowd of students, activists and families, each motivated by fears over the rollback of reproductive rights, shifting political dynamics and threats to democratic institutions.
The march comes amid significant policy shifts that have intensified these worries. In January 2025, President Trump issued an executive order titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” prioritizing biological distinctions in policy enforcement. Critics contend that the order threatens protections for transgender individuals by promoting a restrictive interpretation of gender. Moreover, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced plans to intensify oversight of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, suggesting potential legal hurdles for workplace diversity efforts. Together, these developments underscore a broader debate about the nature of civil rights protections in contemporary America.
While gender equality remained central, attendees also expressed alarm about rising authoritarianism and the stability of democratic governance. Flags from Ukraine, Iran and Canada interspersed throughout the crowd emphasized the interconnectedness of the women’s rights movement.
As marchers moved steadily through downtown San Francisco, Union Square became emblematic of a wider global struggle, highlighting how gender equality is inextricably linked to broader issues of democratic stability and human rights. Participants were clear-eyed about the challenges ahead, yet determined to continue the fight.
